Film Lens
Birth on the Border focuses on the experiences of women from Ciudad Juárez who cross into El Paso, Texas, to give birth. The film follows Gaby and Luisa as they navigate the complexities of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border legally, despite the risks they face, including potential visa loss and harassment from U.S. Border Patrol. The backdrop of extreme violence in Ciudad Juárez from 2008 to 2012 and the threat of obstetrical violence in Mexican hospitals inform their decision to seek a safer environment for childbirth.
The film also features two Chicana midwives, Lina and Sandra, who provide support to these women during their births in El Paso. Through their stories, the film presents the realities of life on the border, emphasizing the personal and societal implications of immigration and healthcare access. The narrative reveals the struggles and hopes of these women as they seek a better future for their children amidst oppressive border policies.
Why Watch
- •Meet Gaby and Luisa as they cross for safer childbirth.
- •Follow midwives Lina and Sandra supporting border-crossing mothers.
- •Find out about the risks of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Did You Know
•One million people cross the U.S.-Mexico border every day.
•Gaby and Luisa are two women from Ciudad Juárez who cross to give birth.
•The violence in Ciudad Juárez peaked between 2008 and 2012.
•The film has a duration of 28 minutes.
Perfect For
Border policy discussionsChildbirth and midwiferyImmigration stories